Pawan Wants SASCI’s ₹2,000 Crore Fund Utilised Effectively
These funds have come with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the stewardship of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. It is our responsibility to ensure that every rupee benefits the people”: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan
VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to ensure that the ₹2,000 crore sanctioned by central government under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme are utilised effectively for improving rural roads across Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing a review meeting with senior officials on Tuesday, Pawan Kalyan, who holds the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development portfolio, said the NDA coalition government in AP is determined to make the best use of SASCI funds and build durable roads.
“These funds have come with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the stewardship of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. It is our responsibility to ensure that every rupee benefits the people,” the Deputy CM underlined.
He instructed the Panchayat Raj engineering wing to prioritise reconstruction of severely damaged rural roads without compromising on quality standards at any stage of the construction process. “The responsibility of ensuring quality roads will lie squarely on the implementing departments,” he maintained. In this regard, Pawan Kalyan directed engineers to carry out inspections at every stage of construction. “The government will not tolerate any irregularities.
Contractors must strictly adhere to the prescribed norms. I, along with experts, will personally inspect the works to ensure standards are maintained,” he emphasised. Highlighting the importance of good road connectivity for development, the deputy Chief minister said every village must have good roads and infrastructure, which are the backbone of progress.
Of the total SASCI funds, ₹35 crore have been earmarked for strengthening Panchayat roads in Puttaparthi as part of infrastructure development ahead of the centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Pawan Kalyan criticised the previous government for not effectively utilising central funds and developing roads. “Our coalition government is continuously tapping central funds for various development projects. Our CM is personally monitoring the utilisation of these funds,” he disclosed.
